The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne’s words were light, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

No matter how many times she had seen it, the sight of Percival’s chiseled abs never failed to make her swallow in appreciation.

Her slender, fair fingers traced over his toned muscles, while her other arm wrapped around Percival’s neck. “Mr. Wolf, have you put on some weight lately? Your six-pack doesn’t feel as rock-hard as before.”

Percival thought to himself, “The cheeky little thing, teasing me like that.”

He caught her wandering hand in a firm grip, his voice husky, “Don’t worry, the real workout starts soon, and I guarantee you’ll be more than satisfied.”

The Hawthorn Family’s Soirée.

As a rising star in Rivenwood, Dorian had arranged the evening’s reception at a modest yet charming boutique hotel.

The guest list included business associates and some of the newly acquainted local elite.

“I didn’t expect such a turnout tonight. It seems that even a down-and-out camel is still bigger than a horse. I thought the Hawthorn family would never bounce back.”

“What’s there to be happy about? I wonder what sort of luck this country bumpkin stumbled upon to get cozy with the Ellingtons. If it weren’t for that marriage, do you think anyone would give him the time of day?”

“That’s why they say Ms. Hawthorn is so cunning. After everything that’s happened, Mr. Ellington still stands by her side unwaveringly.”

Anna, as Vivienne’s bodyguard, heard every insult and slander.

“These people!”

This was unbearable!

Her eyes glinting with fury, she was about to confront them when Vivienne held her back, “Don’t stoop to their level. Hitting them would be too good for them.”

Percival stood by Vivienne’s side in a tailored suit, his hand resting on her shoulder.

“Thomas, look into their companies. Since they have so much idle time, let’s keep them busy.”

Thomas nodded. “Don’t worry, Percival, they won’t get off easy.”

with the family of Vivienne? They

“Vivienne!”

a chorus of excited young

children hugging her from either side. “Amelia’s here too. You two rascals, make sure

worry, Vivienne! I won’t let Thaddeus

“That’s nonsense!”

foot and said, “I didn’t

turned, his gaze

dressed in a frock that Vivienne had made especially for

tone

the hem of her dress, Amelia nodded shyly and said, “No. Thaddeus

awkward formality made Vivienne frown

could speak, Kala, in an elegant cream mermaid gown, approached with a graceful stride, her face beautifully made up under the crystal chandeliers. “Vivienne, when did you arrive? I’ve been watching the door and

linked arms with Vivienne, completely

the side, wore a look of brooding frustration, causing

Percival asked, “Something funny?”

hastily. “No, it’s just

it, why couldn’t he control

expect to see

melodious voice rang out, and as everyone’s attention was momentarily captured by the

woman

his place behind Vivienne, his deep eyes not once glancing at the other

What a drama king.

had Mr. Wolf adopted

massaged her temples, remembering when she first met Percival; he was the epitome of cool and arrogant. As time went on,

like this

at Percival, frowning at the interruption. “Ms. Grimshaw, we know you’re smitten. But even as a

you know who I am?” Ramona Grimshaw struggled against Thomas’s grip, fuming, “Who are you to touch me? Percival, don’t you remember me? I’m Ramona, I was at

her demeanor changed instantly, “You even gave

cold gaze shifted to